A road trip is an ideal way to spend your time off this year. If your vacation plans are in full swing, there’s always a little wiggle room for improvement when mapping out these legendary journeys. Here are five tried-and-tested ways to have more fun on your next summer road trip.
1. Get Your Car Serviced
From a few quarts of fresh oil to a tire rotation, ensuring your car is in good working order before you hit the highway is always a good idea. Summer’s warmer temperatures put added strain on your engine, and you want an oil designed for your destination’s maximum hot weather and long-range engine protection. Consider taking your car into your local dealership’s service department. They have certifications in your particular car’s needs and loads of parts on hand in the event you need a repair.
2. Update Your Emergency Kit
A breakdown is one of the worst things you can encounter on your road trip. You could find yourself stranded for hours along the highway somewhere. It’s always a good idea to update your emergency kit. In addition to extra water, make sure you’re first aid kit is well-stocked, and the flashlight has a fresh set of batteries. The National Safety Council recommends you include a spare tire, jumper cables, and a tool kit.
3. Have the Car Detailed
If your car is still full of winter trash and covered in road salt and other grit, it might be time for a cleanup, inside and out. Don’t put this off until after the trip. Now’s the perfect time to get a full-service car wash or detailing service. You’ll feel good heading out with a car that looks and smells showroom fresh.
4. Pick a Classic Route
Are you dreaming of the Pacific’s cliffs, or have you always wanted to travel the historic Oregon Trail? Plan your summer vacation on one of eleven classic cross-country road trips. These incredible routes take you on a journey across the U.S., where plenty of roadside attractions await.
The Appalachian Trail runs from New England through enchanting natural beauty into the heart of Dixie. Start at the Statue of Liberty and end in Key West. It offers freewheeling vacationers a breathtaking drive of almost 2,000 miles along the Atlantic Ocean. Who could pass up Historic Route 66? This infamous route captivates people from around the world with its kitschy Americana, complete with neon signs and rusty, old truck stops.
5. Consider Buying a New Vehicle
If the family mobile has seen better days, consider buying a newer model. Head on down to your local dealership and check out all the new rides sitting on the lot. Summer is a terrific time to make a deal, and it’s a happy-hunting time for shoppers who want to buy or lease.
When you’re ready to pile in the car and see all the great sites our country has to offer, remember these tips. Have more fun on your summer road trip when you’re well prepared.
Photo by Ylanite Koppens from Pexels
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